Friday brought encouraging news for the 49ers about their injured wide receivers.

First, players encountered this sight as they walked off the practice field: wide receiver Michael Crabtreecatching passes from a team trainer. Crabtree was moving laterally between two orange cones (set about 10 yards apart), snagging short passes from the trainer.

Asked if Manningham might play Nov. 10 in the team's first game after its bye week, Harbaugh said, "We don't have a crystal ball on exactly when he plays in a game, but he looks really good. He had a very good day (Thursday) and I'm excited for him. It's going to be soon."

Harbaugh praised Manningham, Crabtree and other injured players who he said have gone through "grueling rehabilitation."

Not surprisingly, Crabtree wasn't eager to talk about this latest step in his comeback from a torn Achilles tendon.

"I'm just working, bro," he said in the locker room afterward. "I'm grinding extra hard."

D-line update: Defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey(hamstring) returned to practice, but it's unclear if he will play Sunday against Tennessee. The 49ers listed Dorsey as questionable.